Maduka Okoye to Miss Nigeria vs Madagascar 2027 AFCON Qualifier
Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye will miss Nigeria’s opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixture against Madagascar on Friday after being granted permission to attend to family and personal matters.
The Udinese goalkeeper requested permission to be excused from the Super Eagles’ camp for the Group L opener, according to an official camp source.
“Okoye asked for permission to attend to family and personal matters,” the source told sportsbeat.ng.
Okoye is expected to arrive in the Super Eagles’ camp in Uyo on Thursday, meaning he will not be available for Friday’s encounter against Madagascar.
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His absence leaves head coach Éric Chelle with Stanley Nwabali and Arthur Okonkwo as the goalkeeping options currently available in camp.
Okoye is, however, expected to rejoin the squad in time for Nigeria’s second qualifying fixture against Guinea-Bissau on Tuesday.
The Super Eagles intensified preparations for the qualifiers on Tuesday, with Chelle overseeing the team’s first training session in Uyo as 23 players took part in the session.
Nigeria will begin their quest for a place at the 2027 AFCON finals against Madagascar on Friday, with the three-time African champions aiming to make a positive start to their qualifying campaign.
The Super Eagles will then turn their attention to Guinea-Bissau as the qualifying race continues next week.
